Ford Flex Review

2009 Ford Flex Limited Station Wagon Shown

The three-row crossover may have replaced the minivan as the preferred form of family transportation, but that doesn't mean they're hip. Ford's first attempt at this popular new automotive niche was the Freestyle/Taurus X, a practical wagon-like vehicle that provided lots of interior passenger space while being a bit less unwieldy than larger competitors. Unfortunately, the descriptor "wagonlike" has become as appealing to Americans as "communist-like."

Enter the Ford Flex, which essentially takes this same wagonlike platform but places it in a boxy hipster package. It's a formula that worked well with Scion and compact hatchbacks, and by adding a few Mini touches, Ford hopes its Flex will be the cool choice among seven-passenger crossovers. We can't speak to what Americans will think is cool, but based on our initial experiences, the Flex succeeds as a practical family hauler with a definite distinct character.

Current Ford Flex

The Ford Flex is a seven-passenger crossover wagon with a boxy body designed to maximize interior volume and style. Although it wears Ford's signature three-bar chrome grille, the Flex features unique touches like grooved door panels, a silver-accented tailgate and Mini-like contrasting roof colors to give it a unique sense of fashion. Plus, interesting features like the four-panel Vista sunroof and Sync electronics system give the Flex a little something different, in practical terms, against the competition.

Underneath that funky body work is essentially a Taurus X, with a 3.5-liter V6 sending power through a six-speed automatic to either the front wheels or an all-wheel-drive system. This powertrain is smooth and provides enough power for most situations, with a competitive 262 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy falls in line with other seven-passenger crossovers, while all Flexes get Ford's new capless fueling system, which cuts down on refueling emissions and eliminates driving off from the pump with the cap dangling embarrassingly out of the car.

The interior is unique to the Ford Flex and shows a positive improvement in Ford's cabin quality and design. The center stack is the most noticeable, as the Blue Oval has finally shelved its unattractive cookie-cutter stereo and climate-control units in favor of ones with a more upscale appearance. These controls also work well, especially in combination with the nifty touchscreen navigation system. In terms of functionality, the Flex features three spacious rows of seats. Even the rearmost seats can comfortably accommodate those taller than 6 feet. Entry and exit to those seats are made easy by the Flex's low ride height and the second row that (when properly equipped) can tumble forward at the push of button. Both back rows fold flat for cargo storage.

The Ford Flex comes in three different trim levels. The base SE is only available with front-wheel drive, with a standard feature list that includes 18-inch wheels, reverse parking assist, a 60/40-split bench seat in the second row, rear climate controls, a power driver seat, an exterior entry touchscreen keypad and a six-speaker CD stereo. The midlevel SEL (available with front-wheel drive and AWD) adds upgraded 18-inch wheels and exterior trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, leather upholstery and a 12-speaker stereo with satellite radio. The Ford Flex Limited adds 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a power liftgate, power-adjustable pedals, driver memory functions, perforated leather upholstery, interior mood lighting and Ford's Sync electronics interface. Many of these features are available as options on the SEL. Other optional features include second-row captain's chairs, the four-panel Vista sunroof, keyless ignition/entry and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Limited can be equipped with a touchscreen navigation system with reverse camera, voice recognition and real-time traffic information.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.